Dunbar landfill fire continues with smoke spreading as residents and school children urged to stay indoors

Fire crews are continuing to battle a blaze at a landfill site in Dunbar as nearby residents have been urged to stay indoors.

SEPA and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are working together to tackle the flames at Valencia Waste Management Ltd and say the fire is “under control” after it broke out more than three days ago.

However, they have warned that a “plume of smoke will continue to be evident” for some time.

The wind forecast may result in the smoke shifting from east to west.

General health advice is to keep windows and doors closed and avoid being outside for long periods of time if the smoke is particularly bad.

Schools are being advised to keep pupils inside the building.

Dr Alex Cockburn, consultant in Public Health Medicine, NHS Lothian, said: “We are working with partner agencies to closely monitor the situation in Dunbar and surrounding areas.

“SEPA and East Lothian Council have confirmed that the site is authorised to dispose of non-hazardous waste. Nonetheless, we would urge people living in the area to keep doors and windows closed and not to spend prolonged periods of time outdoors, especially if they can see smoke. The same would apply to schools and we would ask headteachers to keep children in the buildings at break and lunchtimes if possible.

“If anyone with a respiratory complaint has concerns about a change in symptoms and they live locally, they should look on NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/ for advice or contact NHS24 on 111.”